With tuition, rent, groceries and gas, the expenses on college students are heavy.  Whether students are buying new merchandise to represent the university, meals at a restaurant or even books, a little bit of money saved goes a long way. In Starkville, students often do not realize how many stores have student discounts that can help them save money with their student ID.

Tanasia Washington, a junior kinesiology major at Mississippi State University and an employee at retail store The Lodge, discussed how she did not know about many student discounts.

“There are a lot of students that come in and use the discount at The Lodge, mainly buying clothes and cowbells,” Washington said. “I don’t know the other places that offer student discounts. This is the only store I know of.” 

To help both older and newer students alike use student discounts to their benefit, listed below are eight different places in town that offer student discounts from retail stores to eateries.

The Lodge

A retail store off Highway 12, The Lodge sells Mississippi State merchandise, ranging from various clothing items to everyday household items like coffee mugs and magnets. Like Washington said, The Lodge offers a 10% student discount for those who present a valid student ID or display a Canvas page.

Mallory Morrow, a senior communication major, commented on how she has benefited from using the student discount at The Lodge.

“Student discounts have saved me money, specifically at the Lodge,” Morrow said. “I have purchased MSU merchandise from there, including overalls to wear at football games and a cowbell for my mother.”

Book Mart and Cafe

Located in downtown Starkville, the store offers a variety of merchandise. The first floor of the store consists of a wide selection of books, along with MSU blankets, shirts and other paraphernalia. The second floor, reached by a staircase against the right wall of the store, consists of used books sorted by genre from wall to wall. Book Mart and Cafe offers a 10% discount with the presentation of a valid student ID card.

Starkville Community Theatre

The community theatre, located on the downtown strip of Starkville, takes off $5 from general admission tickets for students. The theatre offers four productions each season, with each production running for eight or nine performances. One extra production is put on in May, along with other events during the summer.

Local Culture

A frozen yogurt shop located in the Cotton Crossing mall, Local Culture offers a 10% student discount if students present a valid student ID. With a revolving menu of frozen yogurt flavors and choices of non-dairy and sugar-free yogurt, there is something for everyone. People can also choose from a variety of toppings — such as cereal, candy and syrups.

Anna Laird, a sophomore kinesiology major, commented on how she has utilized her student discount and how it has benefited her.

“I have used my student discount at a few different places like Local Culture. I feel like it has saved me money that can go towards other things,” Laird said.

McAlister’s Deli

McAlister’s Deli, also located in Cotton Crossing, serves a combination of deli staples. Sandwiches, baked potatoes, salads and desserts, make up the menu, along with a wide selection of sides. Mcalister’s provides a 10% discount to students who present a student ID.

Slim Chickens

Slim Chicken’s offers a 10% student discount with the presentation of a valid student ID. This fast-food restaurant serves chicken strip baskets that include Texas toast and seasoned fries, available in different meal combinations. The menu also consists of sandwiches, salads and wraps.

Zaxby’s

Like Slim Chicken’s, Zaxby’s serves fried chicken with fries and Texas toast. They also serve a twist on salads, called Zalads, that incorporate a variety of vegetable salads and chicken. Requiring a student ID, Zaxby’s offers a 10% student discount after 5:00 p.m. on Monday-Wednesday.

A+ Auto Repair & Towing Services

This local car repair shop offers students a 10% discount on labor with proof of a student ID.

MSU students can save money across a variety of stores in Starkville. When purchasing items from stores in town, asking about a student discount could save money that will add up in time. While in college, balancing finances, classes and a social life can be taxing. Saving money on smaller purchases with student discounts can help students towards a larger purchase in the future.